Thomas Cook, Co-op and Midlands Co-op confident of merger clearance

Thomas Cook, Co-op and Midlands Co-op confident of merger clearance

Thomas Cook Group, The Co-operative Travel and Midlands Co-operative are confident that its merger will be given the go-ahead, after the Office of Fair Trading announced it is looking to investigate the venture. It was revealed today that the OFT has asked the European Commission if it can examine the case ‘on the ground that it solely relates to the UK’. “We always knew that this request was a possibility and we will continue to work closely with the relevant authorities,” said Manny Fontenla-Novoa, chief executive at Thomas Cook Group. “We remain confident that the transaction will be cleared in due course.” The EC has until 6 January to grant the request and if so, the OFT will have up to 45 days to reach a decision.